Patent and trademark attorneys Murgitroyd Group is reporting a nine per cent rise in first-half turnover on the back of strong trading in the United States.

The listed Glasgow-based firm said first-half trading to November 30, 2013 rose to a “record” £19.2 million (H1 2012: £17.6 million.

The rise in turnover was achieved without adding to overall headcount, which the firm said reflects changes made in working practices and investment in IT systems.

New business wins, particularly in the United States, were the main driver of growth in the first-half, with like-for-like US turnover up 33 per cent to £6.1 million – the first time the US division has exceeded 30 per cent of total turnover.

Murgitroyd said it further strengthened its US presence by adding a European Patent Attorney, based in its West Coast office, from January 2014.

The group said pre-tax profits for the first-half were up £100,000 on the previous year to £2.28 million.

Murgitroyd said current trading is “in line with market expectations”and proposes a 3.75 pence per share interim dividend.

Commenting on the first-half update, group chairman, Ian Murgitroyd, said: “I am pleased to report growth in the first half of the financial year, and the delivery of new record half-year sales and profits.

“The evolution of Murgitroyd continues as the Group responds to a price-sensitive marketplace for professional services.

“Our commitment to ongoing investment in business development, improvements in systems and processes, and people continued in the half year, providing us with a robust platform upon which we can deliver sustainable long-term growth.

“We pride ourselves in providing our clients with a high quality service at competitive prices.

“We are confident in our strategy and in our ability to continue to deliver further positive results in a challenging economic climate.”